Junctional modulation in mouse embryonal carcinoma cells by Fab fragments of rabbit anti-embryonal carcinoma cell serum.

Mouse embryonal carcinoma PCC4 cells are connected by extensive gap and tight junctions. When the cells are incubated in a medium containing Fab fragments against embryonal carcinoma F9 cells, they round up and a process of junctional removal is initiated. In particular, gap junctions are internalized and after 30 hr of incubation with the anti-F9 Fab fragments both tight and gap junctions are no longer present at the cell surface; however, the cells are still in contact by means of small attachment sites.